Testing the waters

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When Bob and Paula Ganss moved into their Plano, Tex., house nine years ago, the couple undertook a number of home improvement projects to make it their own.

“Every fixture, every light, every fan has been replaced,” says Bob. “We finally got the house the way we wanted it.”

But while the couple loves their new space, they know they won’t live there forever.

“At some point, you start thinking about the future,” says Bob, a retired pilot for Braniff Airlines. “We started looking at retirement communities a few years ago.”

Access to continuing care and an indoor swimming pool topped the list of the couple’s must-haves in a community. Their search led them to Springs, an Erickson Living community in North Dallas.

And while they are still enjoying the Plano home, Bob and Paula have the added benefit of getting acquainted with Highland Springs as members of the community’s priority list.

“We joined the priority list when we first became interested in Highland Springs three years ago,” says Bob. “It’s a great way to stay connected to the community.”

Benefits of the priority list

The priority list, comprised of people who plan to move to an Erickson Living community, allows prospective residents to reserve their place in line for the apartment home of their choice. All it takes to join is a fully refundable $1,000 deposit and a $150-per-person nonrefundable application fee.

When prospective residents submit their deposit, that date is noted as their priority list date. Once their preferred floor plan becomes available, the sales team gives first right of refusal to priority list members based on that joining date.

“Highland Springs is 99% sold out, and we have a waiting list for most floor plans,” says Sales Director Jennifer O’Reilly. “Priority list members have the advantage when it comes to getting the most sought-after apartments. They don’t have to worry about losing their place in line because their priority list date doesn’t change.”

Exclusive perks

Joining the priority list comes with additional perks, like invitations to exclusive events and coupons to enjoy the community’s amenities. Priority list members also have use of the on-site medical center.

Bob and Paula recently used one of their coupons to have lunch in the Cotton Belt Café where they met current residents Hugh and Betty Herndon.

“The Herndons have a floor plan that interests us, so they invited us up to their apartment for a tour,” says Bob. “We’ve found the residents and staff to be friendly and welcoming.”

“One of the greatest benefits of joining the priority list is meeting current residents,” adds Paula. “We can ask them questions and get their perspective on life at Highland Springs.”

Finding the right floor plan

After touring a number of floor plans, Bob and Paula have narrowed down their preferred floor plans to two options, the Hawthorne and the Jackson, both two-bedroom choices.

“We know a move is in our future,” says Jack. “As priority list members, we have the resources we need to make an informed decision. When the time comes for us to move, we’ll be prepared.”